Most Bengalureans are heaving a sigh of relief as a long weekend is right around the corner. Many have planned short trips in and around the city, with biking groups leading the bandwagon. The popular destinations this weekend are Sakleshpur, Kanyakumari, Kerala and Goa. Those who are eagerly waiting to get out of the city say that short trips are the best way to unwind as well as bond with their families and friends.

Eswar Rao, head of HR at Ellucian, always rides out with a group of not less than ten bikers. "We do these rides once every quarter. A group of us have planned to ride to Kodaikanal this weekend. We will leave early Saturday morning and return on August 15 in time for Independence Day. We don’t limit our rides to particular occasions, but try to get out of the city as often as possible,” says Eswar. He also points out that the members always ride single and never take a pillion rider. "We ride at 90 to 100 km per hour and don’t take a pillion because it can get stressful for them to sit for long hours. Not taking a pillion is also easy on the rider,” he adds.

These trips have a relaxing effect of sorts on Vijay H M, an employee with Mphasis. "I enjoy going on short trips because I get to meet new people. But on a personal level, I find long rides to be almost meditative,” says Vijay. He adds that riding alone gives him a chance to reflect upon his journey so far. "I always return refreshed and rejuvenated to take on newer challenges,” he adds.

Sagnik Manik, an employee of Siemens, and his friends went on an all-India tour last year during Independence Day. They travelled through 21 states, covering 11,000 kilometers in all. "We have planned a trip to Kanyakumari this year and hope to visit a few more places around it. We are focussing on catching the sunset this time. Our families will be accompanying us,” says Sagnik, adding that trips like these offer some memorable moments to cherish for a lifetime.

The longer the ride, the better it is, feels Sumukha Nagaraj and his colleague Nitish Venugopal, both employees at Accenture. "A few of us have planned to ride to Dudhsagar Falls this weekend. We chalked out the route map and itinerary and booked our stay almost a month in advance. This is supposed to be the best time to visit the place and we didn’t want to miss the chance to be there,” says Sumukha.

He adds, "We love exploring new places and cultures. Riding gives us the chance to meet new people and also learn a lot of things in the process.” Nitish pitches in "These rides are great stress busters. Every ride offers a new experience, strengthens one’s commitment towards work and indirectly enhances the quality of life.”